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{{short description|National rugby union squad}}{{About|the men’s team|the women’s team|Scotland women’s national rugby union team}}{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}

factoids

1871 Scotland versus England rugby union match {{ru-rt>England}}(Edinburgh, Scotland; 27 March 1871)Scotland}} 100–8 {{ru-rtPerth, Scotland>Perth, Scotland; 13 November 2004)Scotland}} 10–68 {{ru-rt|South Africa}}(Edinburgh, Scotland; 6 December 1997)| World cup apps = 10| World cup first = 1987Fourth place (1991 Rugby World Cup>1991)| medaltemplates = www.scottishrugby.org/teams/scotland-men/|scottishrugby.org}}}}The Scotland national rugby union team (, ) represents the Scottish Rugby Union in men’s international rugby union. The team takes part in the annual Six Nations Championship, where they are the current Calcutta Cup and Doddie Weir Cup holders. They also participate in the Rugby World Cup, which takes place every four years.As of 14 February 2024, Scotland are 6th in the World Rugby Rankings.WEB, Men’s rankings,www.world.rugby/rankings/mru, World Rugby, 21 November 2022, 4 June 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200604233404/https://www.world.rugby/rankings/mru, dead, The history of the team extends back to 1871 when the Scottish rugby team played their first official test match, winning 1–0 against England at Raeburn Place. Scotland competed in the Five Nations from the inaugural tournament in 1883, winning it 14 times outright—including the last Five Nations in 1999—and sharing it another 8. In 2000 the competition accepted a sixth competitor, Italy, thus forming the Six Nations. Since this change, Scotland have yet to win the competition. The Rugby World Cup was introduced in 1987 and Scotland have competed in all ten competitions, the most recent being in 2023, where they failed to reach the quarter-finals. Their best finish came in 1991, where they lost to the All Blacks in the third place play-off.Scotland have beaten all major rugby union playing nations except for New Zealand, the best result being two draws.

History

1871–1924

The Scots issue a challenge

File:Scotland rugbyteam 1871.jpg|thumb|left|Scotland’s first national team, 1871, for the 1st international, vs. England in Edinburgh]]In December 1870 a group of Scots players issued a letter of challenge in The Scotsman and in Bell’s Life in London, to play an England XX at rugby rules. This led to the first-ever rugby international match being played at Academical Cricket Club’s ground at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, on Monday 27 March 1871.In front of around 4,000 spectators, the Scots won the encounter by a try (made by Angus Buchanan) and a goal (made by William Cross) to a solitary try scored by England (a points scoring system had not then been devised so only the goal counted towards the 1–0 score). England later won the return match at the Kennington Oval, London in the following year.WEB, Historical Rugby Milestones 1870s,www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1870s.htm, Rugby Football History, 13 September 2015, 13 January 2018,rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1870s.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20180113065814rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1870s.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20180113065814rugbyfootballhistory.com/timeline1870s.htm, live, WEB, The first international rugby match,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0007/, BBC – A Sporting Nation, 13 September 2015, 1 October 2018,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0007/," title="web.archive.org/web/20181001234035www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0007/,">web.archive.org/web/20181001234035www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0007/, live, NEWS, On this day 500 : First ever rugby international,www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/heritage/on-this-day-1871-first-ever-rugby-international-1-3730929, 13 September 2015, The Scotsman, 27 March 2015, 14 August 2015,www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/heritage/on-this-day-1871-first-ever-rugby-international-1-3730929," title="web.archive.org/web/20150814225446www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/heritage/on-this-day-1871-first-ever-rugby-international-1-3730929,">web.archive.org/web/20150814225446www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/heritage/on-this-day-1871-first-ever-rugby-international-1-3730929, live,

The Calcutta Cup

File:Calcuttacup.jpg|thumb|200px|Illustration of a Calcutta CupCalcutta CupThe Calcutta Cup was donated to the Rugby Football Union in 1878 by the members of the short-lived Calcutta Rugby Club. The members had decided to disband: the cup was crafted from melted-down silver rupees which became available when the club’s funds were withdrawn from the bank. The Cup is unique in that it is competed for annually only by England and Scotland. The first Calcutta Cup match was played in 1879 and, since that time, over 100 matches have taken place.WEB, Johnson, Ben, The Calcutta Cup,www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Calcutta-Cup/, Historic UK, 24 February 2018, 8 December 2015,www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Calcutta-Cup/," title="web.archive.org/web/20151208052332www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Calcutta-Cup/,">web.archive.org/web/20151208052332www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Calcutta-Cup/, live,

Origins of the Nations Championship

In 1882 the Home Nations Championship, the fore-runner of the modern Six Nations Championship was founded with Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland taking part. The Scots enjoyed occasional success in the early years, winning their first Triple Crown in 1891 and repeating the feat again in 1895, and vying with Wales for dominance in the first decade of the 20th century. Further Triple Crowns wins for Scotland followed in 1901, 1903 and 1907. However, Scotland’s triumph in 1907 would be the last for eighteen years as the First World War (1914–1918) and England’s dominance afterwards would deny them glory.

Home ground

In 1897 land was purchased by the SFU at Inverleith, Edinburgh. Thus the SFU became the first of the Home Unions to own its own ground. The first visitors were Ireland, on 18 February 1899 (Scotland 3–9 Ireland). International rugby was played at Inverleith until 1925. The SFU bought some land and built the first Murrayfield Stadium which was opened on 21 March 1925.WEB, Scotland,www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/scotland.html, Rugby Football History, 13 September 2015, 22 November 2019,www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/scotland.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20191122205749www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/scotland.html,">web.archive.org/web/20191122205749www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/scotland.html, live,

1925–1945

In 1925 Scotland already had victories over France at Inverleith (25–4), Wales in Swansea (24–14) and Ireland in Dublin (14–8). England, the Grand Slam champions of the two previous seasons were the first visitors to Murrayfield. 70,000 spectators saw the lead change hands three times before Scotland secured a 14–11 victory which gave them their first-ever Five Nations Grand Slam.WEB, MacDonald, Paul, First Scottish Grand Slam,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0020/print.shtml, BBC – A Sporting Nation, 13 September 2015, 2 October 2018,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0020/print.shtml," title="web.archive.org/web/20181002014736www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0020/print.shtml,">web.archive.org/web/20181002014736www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0020/print.shtml, live, In 1926, Scotland became the first Home nation side to defeat England at Twickenham after England had won the Grand Slam five times in eight seasons.WEB, 6 Nations History,www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/6nations.htm#1999, Rugby Football History, 15 September 2015, 22 May 2008,www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/6nations.htm#1999," title="web.archive.org/web/20080522143704www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/6nations.htm#1999,">web.archive.org/web/20080522143704www.rugbyfootballhistory.com/6nations.htm#1999, live, NEWS, England v Scotland: The greatest moments,www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/england-v-scotland-the-greatest-moments-1647958.html?action=gallery&ino=2, 13 September 2015, The Independent, 26 June 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200626181131/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/england-v-scotland-the-greatest-moments-1647958.html?action=gallery&ino=2, live, The outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939 brought rugby union in Scotland to a halt. The SRU cancelled all arranged trial and international matches and encouraged the member clubs to carry on as best they could. Some clubs closed down, others amalgamated and carried on playing other local clubs and, sometimes, teams from the armed forces stationed in their various areas.

1946–1987

Internationals resumed in the 1946–47 season, although these were not formally recognised and no caps were awarded to participating players. In January 1946, Scotland played and defeated a strong New Zealand Armed Forces team by 11–6.WEB, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force rugby team (1945–46),www.nzhalloffame.co.nz/Inductees/0-9/2nd-New-Zealand-Expeditionary-Force-rugby-team.aspx, New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, 14 September 2015, 25 September 2015,www.nzhalloffame.co.nz/Inductees/0-9/2nd-New-Zealand-Expeditionary-Force-rugby-team.aspx," title="web.archive.org/web/20150925103947www.nzhalloffame.co.nz/Inductees/0-9/2nd-New-Zealand-Expeditionary-Force-rugby-team.aspx,">web.archive.org/web/20150925103947www.nzhalloffame.co.nz/Inductees/0-9/2nd-New-Zealand-Expeditionary-Force-rugby-team.aspx, live, WEB, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force rugby team (1945–1946),rugbyredefined.com/2013/04/25/2nd-new-zealand-expeditionary-force-rugby-team/, Rugby Redefined, 14 September 2015, 25 September 2015,rugbyredefined.com/2013/04/25/2nd-new-zealand-expeditionary-force-rugby-team/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150925101122rugbyredefined.com/2013/04/25/2nd-new-zealand-expeditionary-force-rugby-team/,">web.archive.org/web/20150925101122rugbyredefined.com/2013/04/25/2nd-new-zealand-expeditionary-force-rugby-team/, live, Scotland resumed full international matches in February 1947, losing 22–8 to Wales at Murrayfield.The period after World War Two was not a successful one for Scotland. In 1951, the touring Springboks massacred Scotland 44–0 scoring nine tries, a then record defeat.BOOK, Paul, Gregor, Top 10 of Everything Rugby, October 2012, Exisle Publishing (New Zealand), 978-1927147528, 190,books.google.com/books?id=YYvfUdBEQlUC&q=scotland+0+south+africa+44+1951&pg=PA190, 14 September 2015, 29 June 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230629062129/https://books.google.com/books?id=YYvfUdBEQlUC&q=scotland+0+south+africa+44+1951&pg=PA190, live, Scotland suffered 17 successive defeats between February 1951 and February 1955, scored only 54 points in these 17 games: 11 tries, six conversions, and four penalties.WEB, Rugby stats & records – Scotland 1950s,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+Dec+1959;spanmin2=01+Jan+1950;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, ESPN, 14 September 2015, 3 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+Dec+1959;spanmin2=01+Jan+1950;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303205149stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+Dec+1959;spanmin2=01+Jan+1950;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results,">web.archive.org/web/20160303205149stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+Dec+1959;spanmin2=01+Jan+1950;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, live, The teams from 1955 to 1963 were an improvement. There were no wins over England, but three of the games were drawn. Occasional wins were recorded against Wales, Ireland and France.WEB, Rugby stats & records – Scotland v England – 1955–63,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;opposition=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+1963;spanmin1=01+Jan+1953;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, ESPN, 14 September 2015, 3 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;opposition=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+1963;spanmin1=01+Jan+1953;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303190844stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;opposition=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+1963;spanmin1=01+Jan+1953;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results,">web.archive.org/web/20160303190844stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;opposition=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+1963;spanmin1=01+Jan+1953;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, live, 1964 was a good year for Scotland. New Zealand were held to a 0–0 draw, the last international match in which no points were scored.WEB, Griffiths, John, A rare scoreless rugby draw,en.espn.co.uk/blogs/sport/story/322459.html, ESPN, 14 September 2015, 8 July 2014, 27 September 2018,en.espn.co.uk/blogs/sport/story/322459.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20180927013041en.espn.co.uk/blogs/sport/story/322459.html,">web.archive.org/web/20180927013041en.espn.co.uk/blogs/sport/story/322459.html, live, The Calcutta Cup was won 15–6, the first time since 1950WEB, Calcutta Cup,www.rugbyarchive.net/pagine/OverviewCompetizioni.aspx?ID=202, Rugby Archive, 14 September 2015, 3 October 2019,www.rugbyarchive.net/Pagine/OverviewCompetizioni.aspx?ID=202," title="web.archive.org/web/20191003013909www.rugbyarchive.net/Pagine/OverviewCompetizioni.aspx?ID=202,">web.archive.org/web/20191003013909www.rugbyarchive.net/Pagine/OverviewCompetizioni.aspx?ID=202, live, and they shared the Five Nations title in 1964 with Wales.NEWS, Pringle Fisher,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12385773.display/, 14 September 2015, Herald Scotland, 29 April 2009, 3 March 2016,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12385773.display/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303202758www.heraldscotland.com/news/12385773.display/,">web.archive.org/web/20160303202758www.heraldscotland.com/news/12385773.display/, live, In 1971 the SRU appointed Bill Dickinson as their head coach, after years of avoidance, as it was their belief that rugby should remain an amateur sport. He was officially designated as an “adviser to the captain”.NEWS, Leith, Bill, Obituary: Bill Dickinson,www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-bill-dickinson-1371664.html, 14 September 2015, The Independent, 22 April 1994, 12 April 2015,www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-bill-dickinson-1371664.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20150412101129www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-bill-dickinson-1371664.html,">web.archive.org/web/20150412101129www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-bill-dickinson-1371664.html, live, Scotland were the first of the Home Unions to run a truly nationwide club league.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} This was introduced in 1973 and still flourishes today with several of the country’s original clubs still very much in evidence, such as Heriots, West of Scotland, Watsonians and the famous ‘border’ clubs such as Gala, Hawick, Jed-Forest, Kelso and Melrose.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} However the advent of professionalism saw Scotland’s District championship abandoned and two ‘Super Districts’ formed, which have resulted in the top players generally being unavailable for their clubs.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} These teams play in international club competitions such as the Heineken Cup and the Pro14.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}On 1 March 1975, around 104,000 spectators watched Scotland defeat Wales 12–10 in a Five Nations match at Murrayfield. The attendance at the time was a World Record for a Rugby Union match, and remains the record attendance at Murrayfield.NEWS, Reid, Alasdair, Notorious occasion when record crowd packed Murrayfield,www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13201403.Flashback__March_3__1975_______Notorious_occasion_when_record_crowd_packed_Murrayfield/, 15 September 2015, Herald Scotland, 13 February 2015, 6 February 2016,www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13201403.Flashback__March_3__1975_______Notorious_occasion_when_record_crowd_packed_Murrayfield/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160206185022www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13201403.Flashback__March_3__1975_______Notorious_occasion_when_record_crowd_packed_Murrayfield/,">web.archive.org/web/20160206185022www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13201403.Flashback__March_3__1975_______Notorious_occasion_when_record_crowd_packed_Murrayfield/, live, WEB, Rugby stats & records – Record attendances,stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/highest_attendance.html?id=1;type=class, ESPN, 15 September 2015, 20 November 2018,stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/highest_attendance.html?id=1;type=class," title="web.archive.org/web/20181120011210stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/highest_attendance.html?id=1;type=class,">web.archive.org/web/20181120011210stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/highest_attendance.html?id=1;type=class, live, That win was part of a run of nine successive wins at Murrayfield during the 1970s for the national side, but they were unable to transfer that form outwith Scotland, only managing two away wins during the decade.BOOK, Richards, Huw, A Game for Hooligans: The History of Rugby Union, November 2007, Mainstream Publishing, 978-1845962555,books.google.com/books?id=-VhvJML6xa4C&q=Chronic+travel-sickness+was+Scotland%27s+1970s+affliction&pg=PA1978, 15 September 2015, 29 June 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230629062130/https://books.google.com/books?id=-VhvJML6xa4C&q=Chronic+travel-sickness+was+Scotland%27s+1970s+affliction&pg=PA1978, live, In 1977 Nairn McEwan succeeded Bill Dickinson as national coach.BOOK, Bath, Richard, The Scotland Rugby Miscellany, October 2007, Vision Sports Publishing Ltd, 978-1905326242, 133,archive.org/details/scotlandrugbymis0000bath/page/133, However, he was only able to win one international in his three years in charge. Nevertheless, rugby in Scotland was clearly developing.NEWS, The age of Telfer,www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/the-age-of-telfer-1-638444, 15 September 2015, The Scotsman, 28 January 2003, 6 November 2015,www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/the-age-of-telfer-1-638444," title="web.archive.org/web/20151106002549www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/the-age-of-telfer-1-638444,">web.archive.org/web/20151106002549www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/the-age-of-telfer-1-638444, live, The establishment of the national leagues in 1973–74 was beginning to bear fruit; the standard of club and district rugby was higher than ever and players were more accustomed to experiencing pressure in matches where the result really mattered. Fewer players were being selected from English clubs to represent Scotland as the domestic game was producing an adequate number of players of genuine international class for the first time since the First World War.Jim Telfer became national coach in 1980,BOOK, Eunson, John, Sporting Scots: How Scotland Brought Sport to the World (And the World Wouldn’t Let Us Win), April 2012, Black & White Publishing, 978-1845024147,books.google.com/books?id=VhQjAwAAQBAJ&q=jim+telfer+1980&pg=PT127, 21 November 2020, 29 June 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230629062130/https://books.google.com/books?id=VhQjAwAAQBAJ&q=jim+telfer+1980&pg=PT127, live, inheriting a squad of genuine potential. In March 1982 Scotland won away in Wales for the first time in 20 years.WEB, Rugby stats & records – Wales v Scotland – 1962–82,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;home_or_away=2;opposition=4;spanmax1=31+Dec+1982;spanmin1=01+Jan+1962;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, ESPN, 14 September 2015, 3 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;home_or_away=2;opposition=4;spanmax1=31+Dec+1982;spanmin1=01+Jan+1962;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303195411stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;home_or_away=2;opposition=4;spanmax1=31+Dec+1982;spanmin1=01+Jan+1962;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results,">web.archive.org/web/20160303195411stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;home_or_away=2;opposition=4;spanmax1=31+Dec+1982;spanmin1=01+Jan+1962;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, live, Scotland toured Australia in July 1982 and won the first test, Scotland’s first away victory against any of the big three Southern Hemisphere sides.BOOK, Rothmans Rugby Yearbook 1983–84, 1983, 978-0356097312, 55, Unknown Publisher, Steve Jones, WEB, Rugby stats & records - Scotland 1982,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+1982;spanmin1=01+Jan+1982;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, ESPN, 14 September 2015, 4 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+1982;spanmin1=01+Jan+1982;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results," title="web.archive.org/web/20160304055951stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+1982;spanmin1=01+Jan+1982;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results,">web.archive.org/web/20160304055951stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+1982;spanmin1=01+Jan+1982;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, live, After this, the 1983 season was a disappointment; losing their first three Five Nations matches.WEB, Rugby stats & records – Scotland 1983,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+Dec+1983;spanmin2=01+Jan+1983;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, ESPN, 14 September 2015, 4 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+Dec+1983;spanmin2=01+Jan+1983;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results," title="web.archive.org/web/20160304051813stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+Dec+1983;spanmin2=01+Jan+1983;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results,">web.archive.org/web/20160304051813stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+Dec+1983;spanmin2=01+Jan+1983;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, live, However, the tournament ended on a high when Scotland recorded only their second victory over England at Twickenham since 1938. Scotland then went on to draw with the All Blacks 25–25 in the late autumn.Scotland recovered their form in 1984 and achieved their second Grand Slam, and their first since 1925, under the captaincy of Jim Aitken. The team benefited from consistent selection – 12 players took part in all four Five Nations matches, and of the 20 players used in total throughout only two played for clubs outwith Scotland. Jim Telfer stood down after the Grand Slam to concentrate on his professional career as a school master. He was succeeded by his assistant, the former Hawick fly-half, Colin Telfer (not a relative).NEWS, Ferguson, David, Watch Telfer Talk as Scotland legend insists we CAN claim first Twickenham win in 32 years,www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/rugby/watch-telfer-talk-scotland-legend-5306487, 15 September 2015, Daily Record, 10 March 2015, 25 September 2015,www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/rugby/watch-telfer-talk-scotland-legend-5306487," title="web.archive.org/web/20150925124659www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/rugby/watch-telfer-talk-scotland-legend-5306487,">web.archive.org/web/20150925124659www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/rugby/watch-telfer-talk-scotland-legend-5306487, live, He lasted just over a year, enduring a whitewash in the 1985 Five Nations, before resigning to concentrate on his business.NEWS, McMurtie, Bill, Can Derrick swing it for Scotland?,news.google.com/newspapers?id=ucJAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4124%2C1632010, 16 September 2015, The Glasgow Herald, 7 October 1985, 7, 14 August 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210814213413/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ucJAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4124%2C1632010, live, Derrick Grant was then appointed head coach.In January 1986, a trial match between “Blues” (players expected to feature for Scotland) and “Reds” (emerging players with a possible international future) resulted in a shock 41–10 win for the “Reds”.BOOK, McLaren, Bill, My Autobiography, November 2005, Bantam, 978-0553815580, 309, Reprint,books.google.com/books?id=saMTdok11GkC&q=scotland+blues+reds+trial+match&pg=PA309, 15 September 2015, 29 June 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230629062131/https://books.google.com/books?id=saMTdok11GkC&q=scotland+blues+reds+trial+match&pg=PA309, live, The “Reds” team included Gavin and Scott Hastings, Finlay Calder and David Sole, all of whom who would debut for Scotland in the Five Nations that year and feature prominently for side in the years that followed.NEWS, Interview: Scott Hastings, Scottish rugby legend,www.scotsman.com/sport/interview-scott-hastings-scottish-rugby-legend-1-1499943, 14 September 2015, The Scotsman, 4 February 2011, 6 February 2016,www.scotsman.com/sport/interview-scott-hastings-scottish-rugby-legend-1-1499943," title="web.archive.org/web/20160206181308www.scotsman.com/sport/interview-scott-hastings-scottish-rugby-legend-1-1499943,">web.archive.org/web/20160206181308www.scotsman.com/sport/interview-scott-hastings-scottish-rugby-legend-1-1499943, live, Scotland went on to share the 1986 Five Nations championship with France, each side winning three out of their four games.NEWS, McMurtie, Bill, Relieved Grant praises Scots’ defence,news.google.com/newspapers?id=HrxAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4335%2C3916788, 22 September 2015, The Glasgow Herald, 17 March 1986, 9, 13 August 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210813161920/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HrxAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4335%2C3916788, live, The series also saw Scotland thrash England 33–6 at Murrayfield; Scotland’s record win over the English, at the time one point short of Scotland’s best score in any rugby union international and England’s heaviest defeat in over a century.NEWS, McMurtie, Bill, Records tumble as Scots triumph,news.google.com/newspapers?id=3bdAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4443%2C3815038, 22 September 2015, The Glasgow Herald, 17 February 1986, 9, 14 August 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210814143802/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3bdAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4443%2C3815038, live,

1987–2000

Scotland went to the first World Cup, played in New Zealand and Australia in the summer of 1987. John Rutherford, the team’s general and controlling influence, had injured his knee on an unauthorised tour of Bermuda. He broke down after less than a quarter of an hour of the first World Cup match against France and never played for Scotland again. Scotland had been in the lead but the match finished level. Scotland lost to New Zealand in the quarter-final. On 27 June 1988, Ian McGeechan was appointed as head coach to succeed Derrick Grant who had retired after the end of the 1988 Five Nations series.NEWS, McMurtie, Bill, Ian is a natural to tackle coaching post,news.google.com/newspapers?id=9DNAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4084%2C7885826, 16 September 2015, The Glasgow Herald, 28 June 1988, 29, 18 August 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210818172353/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9DNAAAAAIBAJ&pg=4084%2C7885826, live, Their greatest year in the modern era was 1990,WEB,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0062/page02.shtml, BBC – A Sporting Nation – Grand Slam 1990, www.bbc.co.uk, 28 January 2020, 7 February 2017,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0062/page02.shtml," title="web.archive.org/web/20170207000914www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0062/page02.shtml,">web.archive.org/web/20170207000914www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0062/page02.shtml, live, when their season came down to one game, a Grand Slam decider at Murrayfield against the “auld enemy”, England. Both sides had won all their Five Nations fixtures, and England were overwhelming favourites despite being the away side. Scotland under the captaincy of prop David Sole went on to win 13–7,> and with it their third Grand Slam.WEB, Grand Slam 1990,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0062/, BBC – A Sporting Nation, 13 September 2015, 2 October 2018,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0062/," title="web.archive.org/web/20181002014646www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0062/,">web.archive.org/web/20181002014646www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0062/, live, The match against England in 1990 was also only the second time that Flower of Scotland was played at Murrayfield, having become Scotland’s pre-match national anthem that year.NEWS, Rhys, Steffan, The perfect rugby anthem – Flower of Scotland!,www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/02/07/the-perfect-rugby-anthem-flower-of-scotland-91466-22874358/, 14 September 2015, Wales Online, 7 February 2009,walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/02/07/the-perfect-rugby-anthem-flower-of-scotland-91466-22874358," title="web.archive.org/web/20090210144117walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/02/07/the-perfect-rugby-anthem-flower-of-scotland-91466-22874358,">web.archive.org/web/20090210144117walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/02/07/the-perfect-rugby-anthem-flower-of-scotland-91466-22874358, 10 February 2009, The second World Cup took place in 1991 with matches shared between the Five Nations. Scotland won their pool, though the game against Ireland was close, and then beat Western Samoa in the quarter-final. They lost to England in the semi-final held at Murrayfield to a Rob Andrew drop goal. In the third place play-off they were beaten by New Zealand.WEB, Scotland’s Rugby World Cup 1991,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0063/, BBC – A Sporting Nation, 13 September 2015, 2 October 2018,www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0063/," title="web.archive.org/web/20181002014545www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0063/,">web.archive.org/web/20181002014545www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0063/, live, Scotland went through 1994 without a single win,WEB, Hastings carries Scotland to victory,en.espn.co.uk/scotland/rugby/story/180145.html, ESPN, 23 September 2015, 27 September 2018,en.espn.co.uk/scotland/rugby/story/180145.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20180927013102en.espn.co.uk/scotland/rugby/story/180145.html,">web.archive.org/web/20180927013102en.espn.co.uk/scotland/rugby/story/180145.html, live, but bounced back in 1995 to win their first three Five Nations matches.WEB, Gavin Hastings,www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby/scotland/gavin-hastings-3285/biography-of-his-rugby-union-career-for-scotland_a03224/, Sporting Heroes, 23 September 2015, 26 September 2018,www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby/scotland/gavin-hastings-3285/biography-of-his-rugby-union-career-for-scotland_a03224/," title="web.archive.org/web/20180926121601www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby/scotland/gavin-hastings-3285/biography-of-his-rugby-union-career-for-scotland_a03224/,">web.archive.org/web/20180926121601www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby/scotland/gavin-hastings-3285/biography-of-his-rugby-union-career-for-scotland_a03224/, live, This run of wins included a 23–21 win away against France, courtesy of a last minute try and conversion by Gavin Hastings. This was Scotland’s first win in Paris since 1969. The last Five Nations match was another Grand Slam decider against England; however, this time the English defeated the Scots 24–12, largely due to the kicking prowess of Rob Andrew.The third World Cup, held in South Africa, came in 1995. Pool play saw a narrow defeat by France, thanks to an injury-time try, and Scotland finished second in the pool. They were eliminated in the quarter-final against New Zealand.WEB, South Africa’s triumphant homecoming,en.espn.co.uk/timeline/rugby/story/79915.html, ESPN, 14 September 2015, 6 October 2019,en.espn.co.uk/timeline/rugby/story/79915.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20191006173109en.espn.co.uk/timeline/rugby/story/79915.html,">web.archive.org/web/20191006173109en.espn.co.uk/timeline/rugby/story/79915.html, live, Scotland won the last-ever Five Nations Championship in 1999 with a last minute win by Wales over England.NEWS, Wales snatch glory from England,news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/five_nations/316807.stm, 14 September 2015, BBC Sport, 11 April 1999, 13 February 2004,news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/five_nations/316807.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20040213014744news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/five_nations/316807.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20040213014744news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/five_nations/316807.stm, live, However, in the 1999 World Cup they suffered a quarter-final defeat to New Zealand.NEWS, All Blacks end it for gutsy Scots,news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_world_cup/teams/scotland/483408.stm, 14 September 2015, BBC News, 24 October 1999, 28 October 2021,news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_world_cup/teams/scotland/483408.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20211028204659news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_world_cup/teams/scotland/483408.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20211028204659news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_world_cup/teams/scotland/483408.stm, live,

2000–2008

Scotland endured a torrid Six Nations in 2000, losing their first four straight games.WEB, Rugby stats & records – Scotland, Six Nations, 2000,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+2000;spanmin1=01+Jan+2000;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;trophy=2;type=team;view=results, ESPN, 14 September 2015, 4 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+2000;spanmin1=01+Jan+2000;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;trophy=2;type=team;view=results," title="web.archive.org/web/20160304002740stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+2000;spanmin1=01+Jan+2000;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;trophy=2;type=team;view=results,">web.archive.org/web/20160304002740stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=31+Dec+2000;spanmin1=01+Jan+2000;spanval1=span;team=2;template=results;trophy=2;type=team;view=results, live, but won the final game against England 19–13 under captain Andy Nicol.NEWS, Brave Scots defeat England,news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/698769.stm, 14 September 2015, BBC News, 2 April 2000, 24 March 2007,news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/698769.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20070324211838news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/698769.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20070324211838news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/rugby_union/698769.stm, live, (File:Rugby World Cup 2007 - Scotland v Romania 185.jpg|left|thumb|Scotland v Ireland 2007)Australian coach Matt Williams became the first foreigner to coach Scotland in 2003.BOOK, Paul, Gregor, Top 10 of Everything Rugby, October 2012, Exisle Publishing (New Zealand), 978-1927147528, 185,books.google.com/books?id=YYvfUdBEQlUC&q=matt+williams+first+foreign+coach&pg=PA185, 14 September 2015, 29 June 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230629062131/https://books.google.com/books?id=YYvfUdBEQlUC&q=matt+williams+first+foreign+coach&pg=PA185, live, However his tenure was both controversial and unsuccessful, marred by a string of poor results and fall-outs with coaches and players.NEWS, Williams accepts Ulster position,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ulster/7165088.stm, 14 September 2015, BBC Sport, 30 December 2007, 28 April 2022,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ulster/7165088.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20220428171553news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ulster/7165088.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20220428171553news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ulster/7165088.stm, live, NEWS, Scotland players say sack Matt Williams now,www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/scotland-players-say-sack-matt-williams-now-1-1051343, 14 September 2015, Edinburgh Evening News, 20 April 2005, 12 April 2016,www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/scotland-players-say-sack-matt-williams-now-1-1051343," title="web.archive.org/web/20160412192808www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/scotland-players-say-sack-matt-williams-now-1-1051343,">web.archive.org/web/20160412192808www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/scotland-players-say-sack-matt-williams-now-1-1051343, live, In 2004 Williams attempted to introduce a controversial “Fortress Scotland” policy, whereby only those currently playing in Scotland were eligible to play in the national team.NEWS, Scotland tread dangerous path to 2007,www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article37398.ece,www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article37398.ece," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303213654www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article37398.ece,">web.archive.org/web/20160303213654www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/article37398.ece, dead, 3 March 2016, 14 September 2015, The Sunday Times, 4 April 2004, subscription, Meanwhile, the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) came under new management, chief executive Phil Anderton (known as ‘Firework Phil’ for his pre-match entertainment spectacles) was leading the way back to financial solvency and implementing major reforms to reverse the decline of the game in Scotland, but he resigned in January 2005 after his boss David Mackay was forced to resign by the SRU’s general committee.NEWS, SRU’s giant leap backwards Departing Mackay forecasts ‘tragedy’ if Anderton goes,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12408790.SRU_apos_s_giant_leap_backwards_Departing_Mackay_forecasts__apos_tragedy_apos__if_Anderton_goes/, 14 September 2015, Herald Scotland, 11 January 2005, 3 March 2016,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12408790.SRU_apos_s_giant_leap_backwards_Departing_Mackay_forecasts__apos_tragedy_apos__if_Anderton_goes/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303190245www.heraldscotland.com/news/12408790.SRU_apos_s_giant_leap_backwards_Departing_Mackay_forecasts__apos_tragedy_apos__if_Anderton_goes/,">web.archive.org/web/20160303190245www.heraldscotland.com/news/12408790.SRU_apos_s_giant_leap_backwards_Departing_Mackay_forecasts__apos_tragedy_apos__if_Anderton_goes/, live, NEWS, Reid, Alasdair, Anderton adds to SRU turmoil,www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2353702/Anderton-adds-to-SRU-turmoil.html,ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/2353702/Anderton-adds-to-SRU-turmoil.html, 12 January 2022, subscription, live, 14 September 2015, The Telegraph, 13 January 2005, {{cbignore}} By April 2005, Scotland had won only three out of 17 matches under Williams. Following a review by the SRU and public criticism from several of his players, Williams was finally sacked on 25 April 2005.NEWS, Williams sacked as Scotland coach,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4483233.stm, 14 September 2015, BBC Sport, 25 April 2005, 29 June 2023,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4483233.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20230629062131news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4483233.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20230629062131news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4483233.stm, live, Frank Hadden, the head coach of Edinburgh Gunners, was appointed interim coach for the 2005 summer internationals against the Barbarians and Romania,NEWS, Hadden to lead Scots over summer,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4497327.stm, 14 September 2015, BBC Sport, 29 April 2005, 28 April 2022,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4497327.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20220428211838news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4497327.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20220428211838news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4497327.stm, live, winning both.NEWS, Scotland appoint Hadden as coach,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4249150.stm, 14 September 2015, BBC Sport, 15 September 2005, 14 November 2006,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4249150.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20061114165719news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4249150.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20061114165719news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4249150.stm, live, On 15 September 2005, he was appointed national coach of the Scotland team.In the first match of the 2006 Six Nations campaign, against France, Scotland won 20–16,NEWS, Hadden welcomes return of pride,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4674072.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 5 February 2006, 17 February 2009,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4674072.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20090217233906news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4674072.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20090217233906news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4674072.stm, live, and this was the first time since 1999 that they had beaten France.NEWS, Averis, Mike, Lamont launches Scotland into orbit as favourites fall flat at the first,www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/feb/06/sixnations2006.rugbyunion4, 15 September 2015, The Guardian, 6 February 2006, 26 September 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180926122011/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/feb/06/sixnations2006.rugbyunion4, live, Scotland also beat England 18–12 at home at Murrayfield to reclaim the Calcutta Cup.NEWS, Scotland 18–12 England,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4745130.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 25 February 2006, 2 January 2022,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4745130.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20220102021522news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4745130.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20220102021522news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4745130.stm, live, In the 2006 Autumn internationals Scotland won two of three fixtures. They convincingly beat RomaniaNEWS, Scotland 48–6 Romania,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/6137676.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 11 November 2006, 26 March 2023,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/6137676.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20230326030019news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/6137676.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20230326030019news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/6137676.stm, live, and put up a solid first half performance against the Pacific Islanders.NEWS, Scotland 34–22 Pacific Islanders,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6157434.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 18 November 2006, 7 August 2020,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6157434.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20200807025950news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6157434.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20200807025950news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6157434.stm, live, In the final match against Australia, Scotland failed to impress, with Australia winning 44–15.NEWS, Scotland 15–44 Australia,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6174610.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 25 November 2006, 29 June 2023,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6174610.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20230629062646news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6174610.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20230629062646news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/6174610.stm, live, (File:Scotland Romania Lineout.jpg|thumb|11 November 2006 Scotland 44–6 Romania)In 2007, Scotland became the first Six Nations team to lose at home to Italy, 17–37.NEWS, Scotland v Italy,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/6389855.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 24 February 2007, 16 January 2009,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/6389855.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20090116035858news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/6389855.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20090116035858news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/6389855.stm, live, This was Italy’s biggest ever victory over Scotland, home or away. Later that year, the side travelled to France for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They made their way through their group and reached the quarter finals, where they were knocked out by Argentina.NEWS, Lindsay, Clive, Argentina 19–13 Scotland,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030460.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 7 October 2007, 22 November 2021,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030460.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20211122160157news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030460.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20211122160157news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7030460.stm, live, Scotland opened their 2008 Six Nations campaign losing 27–6 to France at home.NEWS, Harlow, Phil, Scotland 6–27 France,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7222661.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 3 February 2008, 6 February 2008,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7222661.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20080206144714news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7222661.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20080206144714news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7222661.stm, live, Pressure on Frank Hadden started to intensify after Scotland lost to WalesNEWS, There’s no Robinson pressure, insists Hadden,www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/theres-no-robinson-pressure-insists-2196633, 15 September 2015, Wales Online, 18 February 2008, 3 March 2016,www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/theres-no-robinson-pressure-insists-2196633," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303181835www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/theres-no-robinson-pressure-insists-2196633,">web.archive.org/web/20160303181835www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/theres-no-robinson-pressure-insists-2196633, live, and then to Ireland.NEWS, Ireland 34 Scotland 13,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7260841.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 23 February 2008, 26 February 2008,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7260841.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20080226092944news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7260841.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20080226092944news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7260841.stm, live, They then defeated England in the Calcutta Cup with a 15–9 victoryNEWS, Standley, James, Scotland 15–9 England,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7282172.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 8 March 2008, 2 November 2022,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7282172.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20221102201802news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7282172.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20221102201802news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7282172.stm, live, before succumbing to Italy, avoiding the wooden spoon only on scoring difference.NEWS, Hassan, Nabil, Italy 23–20 Scotland,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7294056.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 15 March 2008, 18 March 2008,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7294056.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20080318050704news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7294056.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20080318050704news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/7294056.stm, live, They then toured Argentina in the summer to play two tests against Argentina. They lost the first test 21–15, but won the second 26–14.NEWS, Argentina 14–26 Scotland,www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/international/2008/0614/233271-scotland_argentina/, 15 September 2015, RTÉ Sport, 1 June 2008, 3 March 2016,www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/international/2008/0614/233271-scotland_argentina/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303204930www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/international/2008/0614/233271-scotland_argentina/,">web.archive.org/web/20160303204930www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/international/2008/0614/233271-scotland_argentina/, live,

2009–present

In a dismal 2009 Six Nations campaign, Scotland won just one match for a second consecutive year (against Italy) and thus, on 2 April 2009 Frank Hadden resigned as head coach of the national side.NEWS, Scotland coach Frank Hadden resigns,www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/scotland-coach-frank-hadden-resigns-386029, 15 September 2015, The Mirror, 3 April 2009, 4 March 2016,www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/scotland-coach-frank-hadden-resigns-386029," title="web.archive.org/web/20160304075435www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/scotland-coach-frank-hadden-resigns-386029,">web.archive.org/web/20160304075435www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/scotland-coach-frank-hadden-resigns-386029, live, On 4 June 2009, ex-England, Edinburgh and Bath coach Andy Robinson was named head coach in time for the 2009 Autumn Internationals.NEWS, Scots name Robinson as head coach,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8082359.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 4 June 2009, 7 June 2009,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8082359.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20090607043041news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8082359.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20090607043041news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8082359.stm, live, Scotland’s form picked up with a 23–10 victory over FijiNEWS, Scotland 23–10 Fiji,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8358500.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 14 November 2009, 29 June 2023,news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8358500.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20230629062646news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8358500.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20230629062646news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8358500.stm, live, and a memorable 9–8 win against Australia (the first win over the Wallabies for 27 years) at Murrayfield.NEWS, Standley, James, Scotland 9–8 Australia,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8369615.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 21 November 2009, 18 August 2022,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8369615.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20220818053020news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8369615.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20220818053020news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8369615.stm, live, In the 2010 Six Nations Scotland lost against France, Wales and Italy before drawing with England. Against Ireland, in the final rugby match at Croke Park, Scotland gained their only win of the tournament 23–20 with a last-minute penalty by Dan Parks, denying the Irish the Triple Crown and assuring they themselves would avoid the wooden spoon.NEWS, Petrie, Richard, Ireland 20–23 Scotland,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8578135.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 20 March 2010, 1 March 2018,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8578135.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20180301090535news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8578135.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20180301090535news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8578135.stm, live, That summer, Scotland toured Argentina and recorded their first ever away series victory, beating the Pumas in both tests, 24–16 and 13–9.NEWS, Campbell, Andy, Argentina 9–13 Scotland,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8747358.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 19 June 2010, 28 October 2021,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8747358.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20211028181312news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8747358.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20211028181312news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/scottish/8747358.stm, live, In the Autumn Internationals of 2010, Scotland lost heavily against New Zealand before recording victories against South Africa, 21–17, and Samoa, 19–16.NEWS, Rugby stats & records – Scotland Autumn internationals 2010,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+dec+2010;spanmin2=01+nov+2010;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, 15 September 2015, ESPN, 3 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+dec+2010;spanmin2=01+nov+2010;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303211459stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+dec+2010;spanmin2=01+nov+2010;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results,">web.archive.org/web/20160303211459stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+dec+2010;spanmin2=01+nov+2010;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, live, Scotland had a poor showing in the 2011 Six Nations, winning just one match, a 21–8 victory over Italy.NEWS, Moffat, Colin, Scotland 21–8 Italy,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9428170.stm, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 19 March 2011, 29 June 2023,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9428170.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20230629062633news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9428170.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20230629062633news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/9428170.stm, live, In the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Scotland struggled to beat Romania 34–24 and Georgia 15–6,NEWS, Rugby World Cup 2011: Scotland 34–24 Romania,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14809745, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 10 September 2011, 12 July 2012,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14809745," title="web.archive.org/web/20120712212906www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14809745,">web.archive.org/web/20120712212906www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14809745, live, NEWS, Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool B: Scotland 15–6 Georgia,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14811476, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 14 September 2011, 12 July 2012,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14811476," title="web.archive.org/web/20120712212239www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14811476,">web.archive.org/web/20120712212239www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/14811476, live, before losing 13–12 to Argentina.NEWS, Lindsay, Clive, Rugby World Cup 2011: Argentina 13–12 Scotland,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/15041494, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 25 September 2011, 12 July 2012,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/15041494," title="web.archive.org/web/20120712212659www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/15041494,">web.archive.org/web/20120712212659www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/15041494, live, Needing a win going into their final match against England in Auckland, they led 12–3 with a quarter of the game to go, only to lose out to a Chris Ashton try, going down 16–12. This was the first time Scotland had been knocked out in the group stages of the Rugby World Cup.NEWS,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15124512, Rugby World Cup 2011: England 16-12 Scotland - BBC Sport, BBC Sport, 25 September 2020, 8 January 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210108082403/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/15124512, live, Scotland were terrible during the 2012 Six Nations, picking up the wooden spoon and being whitewashed, despite promising moments,NEWS, McAllister, Stuart, Scotland pick up Six Nations wooden spoon after losing to Italy,www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/17/italy-scotland-six-nations, 15 September 2015, The Guardian, 17 March 2012, 26 September 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180926121443/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/mar/17/italy-scotland-six-nations, live, and falling to 12th, Scotland’s lowest ever in the IRB rankings.NEWS, Reid, Alasdair, Scotland stick with Andy Robinson,www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/scotland/9173935/Scotland-stick-with-Andy-Robinson.html,ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/scotland/9173935/Scotland-stick-with-Andy-Robinson.html, 12 January 2022, subscription, live, 15 September 2015, The Telegraph, 29 March 2012, {{cbignore}} Even after this whitewash, Scotland defeated Australia 9–6 in the 2012 Scotland rugby union tour of Australia, Fiji and Samoa. This was Scotland’s first win in Australia since 1982 and the first time in 30 years that Scotland defeated Australia more than once in a row.NEWS, Moffat, Colin, Australia 6–9 Scotland,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18324263, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 5 June 2012, 2 March 2015,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18324263," title="web.archive.org/web/20150302095419www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18324263,">web.archive.org/web/20150302095419www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18324263, live, Scotland also recorded away wins over both Fiji and Samoa.WEB, Rugby stats & records – Scotland summer tour 2012,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+jul+2012;spanmin2=01+apr+2012;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, ESPN, 15 September 2015, 3 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+jul+2012;spanmin2=01+apr+2012;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303192509stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+jul+2012;spanmin2=01+apr+2012;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results,">web.archive.org/web/20160303192509stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax2=31+jul+2012;spanmin2=01+apr+2012;spanval2=span;team=2;template=results;type=team;view=results, live, During Scotland’s 2012 Autumn Tests they suffered a series of defeats, versus the All Blacks, South Africa and most notably Tonga, which caused head coach Andy Robinson to resign.NEWS, Andy Robinson quits as Scotland’s rugby coach,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20484998, 15 September 2015, BBC Sport, 25 November 2012, 21 February 2015,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20484998," title="web.archive.org/web/20150221131045www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20484998,">web.archive.org/web/20150221131045www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20484998, live, Scott Johnson became interim head coach for the team in December 2012.NEWS,www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/scotland/9757970/Scotland-appoint-Scott-Johnson-as-interim-head-coach-for-6-Nations-and-South-Africa-tour.html,ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/scotland/9757970/Scotland-appoint-Scott-Johnson-as-interim-head-coach-for-6-Nations-and-South-Africa-tour.html, 12 January 2022, subscription, live, Scotland appoint Scott Johnson as interim head coach for 6 Nations and South Africa tour., The Telegraph, 1 June 2013, 20 December 2012, Reid, Alasdair, {{cbignore}}During the 2013 Six Nations, Scotland won their matches against Italy and Ireland to finish third, their best finish in the competition since 2006. On 3 May 2013, Johnson was named the first ever Director of Rugby for Scotland responsible for overseeing all rugby in the nation.WEB, Goodlad, Phil,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22401943, Interim head coach Scott Johnson named director of rugby, BBC Sport, 3 May 2013, 8 February 2014, 6 May 2013,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22401943," title="web.archive.org/web/20130506051712www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22401943,">web.archive.org/web/20130506051712www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22401943, live, On 27 May 2013, it was announced that Vern Cotter would become head coach of Scotland, but the SRU had to wait until 2014 as club Clermont failed to reach an agreement with the SRU to release Cotter a year early from his contract.WEB,www.espn.co.uk/scotland/rugby/story/183506.html, Cotter confirmed as new Scotland coach, ESPN, 16 May 2013, 8 February 2014, 2 December 2013,www.espn.co.uk/scotland/rugby/story/183506.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20131202223116www.espn.co.uk/scotland/rugby/story/183506.html,">web.archive.org/web/20131202223116www.espn.co.uk/scotland/rugby/story/183506.html, live, Scotland had a dismal 2014 Six Nations campaign; managing only one win (away in Italy), finishing second bottom and hammered 51–3 by Wales in the final match.NEWS, Morrison, Finlay, More Six Nations despair for Scotland but new era under Vern Cotter looms,sport.stv.tv/blog/268709-more-six-nations-despair-for-scotland-but-new-era-under-vern-cotter-looms/, 27 September 2015, STV Sport, 17 March 2014, 3 March 2016,sport.stv.tv/blog/268709-more-six-nations-despair-for-scotland-but-new-era-under-vern-cotter-looms/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303233836sport.stv.tv/blog/268709-more-six-nations-despair-for-scotland-but-new-era-under-vern-cotter-looms/,">web.archive.org/web/20160303233836sport.stv.tv/blog/268709-more-six-nations-despair-for-scotland-but-new-era-under-vern-cotter-looms/, live, Vern Cotter finally assumed his role as head coach, and in June of the same year Scotland won three tests against the top teams of the Americas, before being hammered by South Africa 55–6.NEWS, South Africa 55–6 Scotland,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28073290, 27 September 2015, BBC Sport, 28 June 2014, 31 October 2015,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28073290," title="web.archive.org/web/20151031150036www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28073290,">web.archive.org/web/20151031150036www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28073290, live, The three autumn tests held at Murrayfield during November yielded wins over Argentina and Tonga, and a narrow defeat against New Zealand.WEB, Scotland – 2015,stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/match_results.html?id=2014;team=2;type=year, ESPN, 30 September 2015, 14 February 2017,stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/match_results.html?id=2014;team=2;type=year," title="web.archive.org/web/20170214202745stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/match_results.html?id=2014;team=2;type=year,">web.archive.org/web/20170214202745stats.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/records/team/match_results.html?id=2014;team=2;type=year, live, NEWS, Scotland 37–12 Tonga: Vern Cotter happy with display,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30163051, 30 September 2015, BBC Sport, 22 November 2014, 28 November 2014,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30163051," title="web.archive.org/web/20141128034815www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30163051,">web.archive.org/web/20141128034815www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/30163051, live, The test against Tonga took place at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, and was the first Rugby Union international to be played on an artificial surface.The 2015 Six Nations Championship ended in a whitewash for Scotland, despite optimism amongst players and supporters beforehand.NEWS, Blair, Mike, Six Nations: Scotland must adapt after whitewash,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32027453, 30 September 2015, BBC Sport, 23 March 2015, 19 September 2015,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32027453," title="web.archive.org/web/20150919144712www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32027453,">web.archive.org/web/20150919144712www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32027453, live, However, Scotland displayed improved performances in their World Cup warm-up games over the summer, with two wins over Italy and narrow defeats away in Ireland and France.NEWS, Morrison, Finlay, Preview: Cotter’s Scotland a team with potential to roar at Rugby World Cup,sport.stv.tv/rugby-world-cup/1328793-preview-cotters-scotland-a-team-with-potential-to-roar-at-rugby-world-cup/, 22 September 2015, STV Sport, 3 March 2016,sport.stv.tv/rugby-world-cup/1328793-preview-cotters-scotland-a-team-with-potential-to-roar-at-rugby-world-cup/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160303234827sport.stv.tv/rugby-world-cup/1328793-preview-cotters-scotland-a-team-with-potential-to-roar-at-rugby-world-cup/,">web.archive.org/web/20160303234827sport.stv.tv/rugby-world-cup/1328793-preview-cotters-scotland-a-team-with-potential-to-roar-at-rugby-world-cup/, live, Scotland played well at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England; qualifying from their group by beating Japan, USA and Samoa, although they lost to South Africa. Scotland played Australia in the quarter-finals, and with 30 seconds remaining led 34–32, having benefited from an incorrect refereeing decision that resulted in Scotland’s second try.WEB,www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup-2015-quarterfinal-live--wallabies-v-scotland-20151018-gkc4k3.html?post=gkc6l9, Rugby World Cup 2015 quarter-final: Live - Wallabies v Scotland, smh.com.au, 18 October 2015, 11 September 2021, 10 September 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210910215033/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup-2015-quarterfinal-live--wallabies-v-scotland-20151018-gkc4k3.html?post=gkc6l9, live, However, referee Craig Joubert then awarded the Wallabies a highly controversial penalty, later judged by the game’s ruling body to be incorrect, which Bernard Foley scored to give Australia victory.NEWS, Cleary, Mick, Australia 35 Scotland 34, match report: Agony for Scots as last-minute Bernard Foley penalty snatches late victory,www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11938951/Australia-35-Scotland-34-match-report-Agony-for-Scots-as-last-minute-Bernard-Foley-penalty-snatches-late-victory.html,ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/11938951/Australia-35-Scotland-34-match-report-Agony-for-Scots-as-last-minute-Bernard-Foley-penalty-snatches-late-victory.html, 12 January 2022, subscription, live, 19 October 2015, The Telegraph, 18 October 2015, {{cbignore}}NEWS,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34576756, BBC Sport, Rugby World Cup 2015: ‘Craig Joubert wrong to award penalty’, 19 October 2015, 11 February 2018, 22 October 2015,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34576756," title="web.archive.org/web/20151022000253www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34576756,">web.archive.org/web/20151022000253www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/34576756, live, Scotland lost their first two games in the 2016 Six Nations Championship, extending their losing streak in the Six Nations to nine matches, their worst run in the championship since the 1950s.NEWS, Newport, Andy, Italy vs Scotland match report: Scots put two years of misery behind them,www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/italy-vs-scotland-match-report-scots-put-two-years-of-misery-behind-them-a6900166.html, 13 March 2016, The Indeoendent, 27 February 2016, 30 November 2018,web.archive.org/web/20181130114617/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/italy-vs-scotland-match-report-scots-put-two-years-of-misery-behind-them-a6900166.html, live, The Scots finally ended their losing run with a 36–20 win over Italy in Rome; John Barclay, John Hardie and Tommy Seymour all scoring tries.NEWS, English, Tom, Six Nations 2016: Italy 20–36 Scotland,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35651242, 13 March 2016, BBC Sport, 27 February 2016, 25 March 2016,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35651242," title="web.archive.org/web/20160325011949www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35651242,">web.archive.org/web/20160325011949www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35651242, live, Scotland followed that win up with a victory over France at Murrayfield; Stuart Hogg, Duncan Taylor and Tim Visser scoring tries in a 29–18 win. It was Scotland’s first victory over France since 2006, and also ended a 10 match losing streak against Les Bleus.NEWS, Scotland 29–18 France,www.six-nations-guide.co.uk/2016/scotland-v-france.html, 13 March 2016, Six Nations Guide, 14 March 2016,www.six-nations-guide.co.uk/2016/scotland-v-france.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20160314045133www.six-nations-guide.co.uk/2016/scotland-v-france.html,">web.archive.org/web/20160314045133www.six-nations-guide.co.uk/2016/scotland-v-france.html, live, Scotland had a successful tour of Japan in June (winning both test matches),NEWS, English, Tom, Scotland beat Japan 21–16 in Tokyo to seal series victory,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36629440, 7 February 2017, BBC Sport, 25 June 2016, 17 July 2017,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36629440," title="web.archive.org/web/20170717193858www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36629440,">web.archive.org/web/20170717193858www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36629440, live, and during the Autumn Internationals recorded a third consecutive win against Argentina (their seventh recognised win overall against the Pumas).{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}In the 2017 Six Nations, Scotland saw a marked improvement in performance with three home wins and two away defeats. This was Vern Cotter’s last tournament as head coach of Scotland, despite them also beating Australia 24–19 on the summer tour of the Southern Hemisphere. In their first 6Ns game, Scotland went in with confidence to win their first opening match for eleven years against Ireland in a close match at Murrayfield Stadium.NEWS, English, Tom, 2017 Six Nations: Scotland 27–22 Ireland,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38848621, 4 October 2017, BBC Sport, 4 February 2017, 19 November 2017,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38848621," title="web.archive.org/web/20171119123340www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38848621,">web.archive.org/web/20171119123340www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38848621, live, NEWS, Match report – Scotland 27 – 22 Ireland,thescotlandteam.com/2017/02/04/match-report-scotland-27-22-ireland/, 4 October 2017, The Scotland Team, 4 February 2017, 4 October 2017,thescotlandteam.com/2017/02/04/match-report-scotland-27-22-ireland/," title="web.archive.org/web/20171004111507thescotlandteam.com/2017/02/04/match-report-scotland-27-22-ireland/,">web.archive.org/web/20171004111507thescotlandteam.com/2017/02/04/match-report-scotland-27-22-ireland/, dead, This followed with a defeat in Paris to France. Scotland secured a win over Wales in their third game, Scotland’s first since 2007. In the eagerly anticipated Calcutta Cup tie against England at Twickenham,NEWS, Cleary, Mick, England vs Scotland: Hardest Twickenham test yet for edgy Eddie Jones,www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2017/03/10/england-vs-scotland-hardest-twickenham-test-yet-edgy-eddie-jones/,ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2017/03/10/england-vs-scotland-hardest-twickenham-test-yet-edgy-eddie-jones/, 12 January 2022, subscription, live, 4 October 2017, The Telegraph, 10 March 2017, {{cbignore}} however, Scotland were thrashed 61–21.NEWS, Fordyce, Tom, Six Nations 2017: England 61–21 Scotland,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39223528, 4 October 2017, BBC Sport, 11 March 2017, 11 March 2017,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39223528," title="web.archive.org/web/20170311231731www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39223528,">web.archive.org/web/20170311231731www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39223528, live, This was a record defeat against the English, and a result which ended their hopes of winning the Six Nations. In the last week, Scotland defeated Italy at Murrayfield with a 29–0 victory, securing fourth place in the tournament table.NEWS, English, Tom, Six Nations 2017: Scotland 29–0 Italy,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39297548, 4 October 2017, BBC Sport, 18 March 2017, 10 June 2017,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39297548," title="web.archive.org/web/20170610232845www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39297548,">web.archive.org/web/20170610232845www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39297548, live, Gregor Townsend took over as head coach in June 2017. His first fixture as head coach was against Italy in Singapore where Scotland won 34–13. A week later Scotland defeated Australia 24–19 in Sydney, the second time in a row Scotland had won on Australian soil. The victory was made more notable by the list of absentees, such as Stuart Hogg and Grieg Laidlaw, who were in New Zealand on Lions’ duty. The tour was concluded by a 27–22 loss to Fiji in Suva.Victory over Samoa in November 2017WEB,www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291173&league=289234, Scotland edge hard-fought victory over Samoa in 11-try thriller, ESPN Scrum, 11 November 2017, 1 February 2018, 23 January 2018,www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291173&league=289234," title="web.archive.org/web/20180123091515www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291173&league=289234,">web.archive.org/web/20180123091515www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291173&league=289234, live, was followed by a breathtaking performance against New Zealand at a sold-out Murrayfield. Tries from Jonny Gray and Huw Jones brought Scotland to 17–22 with barely a minute to go, but it took a superb cover tackle from the All Blacks fly-half Beauden Barrett to prevent Stuart Hogg from scoring a winning try.WEB,www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291189&league=289234, All Blacks made to work for victory over plucky Scotland, ESPN Scrum, 18 November 2017, 1 February 2018, 15 March 2018,www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291189&league=289234," title="web.archive.org/web/20180315083332www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291189&league=289234,">web.archive.org/web/20180315083332www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291189&league=289234, live, A week later Scotland registered a record win over the Wallabies, who played with 14 men for the majority of the game after Kepu’s dismissal, inflicting eight tries on the visitors in what was the Australian hooker Stephen Moore’s final international game. Scotland won 53–24, their biggest ever margin of victory over Australia.WEB,www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291174&league=289234, Scotland make Wallabies pay for Kepu’s moment of madness, ESPN Scrum, 25 November 2017, 1 February 2018, 3 December 2017,www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291174&league=289234," title="web.archive.org/web/20171203153848www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291174&league=289234,">web.archive.org/web/20171203153848www.espn.co.uk/rugby/report?gameId=291174&league=289234, live, In the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Scotland took an early exit with losses to both Ireland and the hosts. Scotland did however score ninety-five unanswered points across two wins against Samoa and Russia.WEB,www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup/rwc-2019-japan/116539877/rugby-world-cup-2019-scots-accuse-all-blacks-of-undue-influence-in-games-cancellation-decision, Rugby World Cup 2019: Scotland accuse All Blacks of ‘undue influence’ in cancellation decision, Stuff.co.nz, Stuff, Richard, Bath, 24 October 2019, 13 October 2019, 7 December 2019,web.archive.org/web/20191207190636/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup/rwc-2019-japan/116539877/rugby-world-cup-2019-scots-accuse-all-blacks-of-undue-influence-in-games-cancellation-decision, live, On 6 February 2021, Scotland won their first game of that year’s Six Nations tournament, defeating England 6 – 11 at Twickenham for the first time since 1983 and securing the Calcutta Cup.NEWS, Grey, Becky, England 6–11 Scotland: Finn Russell orchestrates first Scottish win at Twickenham since 1983,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55962483, 17 February 2021, BBC Sport, 14 February 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210214051637/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55962483, live, On 13 February they lost their next match, against Wales, 25–24 at Murrayfield.NEWS, English, Tom, Scotland 24–25 Wales: Visitors roar to narrow victory at Murrayfield,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56053684, 17 February 2021, BBC Sport, 17 February 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210217100006/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/56053684, live, In 2024 the Scotland Rugby Men’s Team featured in a Netflix documentary Six Nations: Full Contact.NEWS, Bull, Andy, 2024-01-22, ‘Rugby needs all the help it can get’: sport hunts F1-style Netflix uplift,www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/22/rugby-union-netflix-series-six-nations-full-contact-f1, 2024-02-01, The Guardian, en-GB, 0261-3077,

Thistle and the anthem

File:Cirsium vulgare 6214.jpg|thumb|upright|The thistle, the national emblem of Scotland since the reign of Alexander III of ScotlandAlexander III of ScotlandThe thistle is the national flower, and also the symbol of the Scotland national rugby union team. According to legend the “guardian thistle” has played its part in the defence of Scotland against a night attack by Norwegian Vikings, one of whom let out a yell of pain when he stepped barefoot on a thistle, alerting the Scottish defenders. The Latin Nemo me impune lacessit (“No-one provokes me with impunity!” in English) is an ancient motto of the Kings of Scotland, and also of Scotland’s premier chivalric order, the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, and of the Scots Guards (the latter both “belonging” to the monarch).WEB, The Scottish Thistle – Beautifully Bold!,www.scottish-at-heart.com/scottish-thistle.html, Scottish at Heart, 28 October 2015, 4 November 2015,www.scottish-at-heart.com/scottish-thistle.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20151104122319www.scottish-at-heart.com/scottish-thistle.html,">web.archive.org/web/20151104122319www.scottish-at-heart.com/scottish-thistle.html, live, “Flower of Scotland” has been used since 1990 as Scotland’s unofficial national anthem. It was written by Roy Williamson of The Corries in 1967, and adopted by the SRU to replace “God Save the Queen”. In the first year of using “Flower of Scotland” as an anthem, Scotland walked onto the pitch at the beginning of the Five Nations Championship deciding match against England. This combination was explosive and Scotland went on to beat England 13–7 and win the Five Nations Championship with a Grand Slam. Before Flower of Scotland was adopted as national anthem, “Scotland the Brave” was played for Scotland in the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Said song was usually immediately played before God Save the Queen when Scotland was playing at home (during the entrance of the teams), as result from a decision of the SRU to defuse any possibility of a “national embarrassment” (which the Scottish press feared) caused by the crowd booing the latter anthem, as the Queen was visiting Murrayfield during the 1976 Calcutta Cup.BOOK, Porter, Dilwyn, Smith, Adrian, Sport and National Identity in the Post-War World, 15 April 2013, Routledge, 978-1-134-45693-2,books.google.com/books?id=QUpwHNNR54UC&dq=john+jeffrey+poll+tax+scotland+rugby&pg=PA80, en, 15 April 2022, 29 June 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230629062632/https://books.google.com/books?id=QUpwHNNR54UC&dq=john+jeffrey+poll+tax+scotland+rugby&pg=PA80, live,

Strip

{{unreferenced section|date=February 2015}}{{Commons|Scotland national rugby union team kits}}Scotland have traditionally worn navy blue jerseys, white shorts and blue socks. On the occasion that Scotland is the home side and the opposing team normally wears dark colours, Scotland will use its change strip. Traditionally this is a white jersey with navy blue shorts and socks. For a brief period, when Cotton Oxford were the shirt sponsors, the white shirt was replaced by a bright orange one with orange and blue hoops on the sleeves. This was first used against the New Zealand Māori on 14 November 1998.NEWS,www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/rugby-fans-anger-over-scotland-s-red-and-yellow-kit-1-989114, Rugby fans’ anger over Scotland’s red and yellow kit, The Scotsman, 15 June 2006, 19 September 2016, 20 September 2016,www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/rugby-fans-anger-over-scotland-s-red-and-yellow-kit-1-989114," title="web.archive.org/web/20160920071846www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/rugby-fans-anger-over-scotland-s-red-and-yellow-kit-1-989114,">web.archive.org/web/20160920071846www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/rugby-fans-anger-over-scotland-s-red-and-yellow-kit-1-989114, live, This change strip was replaced by the traditional white one just two years later. Also during this sponsorship deal, purple was introduced to the traditional blue jersey. This was a significant departure from the traditional colours of blue and white, although purple is inspired from the thistle flower.

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

In September 1993, a sponsorship deal was announced with The Famous Grouse, resulting in a sponsors’ name being added to Scottish international players’ kit for the first time in addition to the jersey manufacturers’ emblem.NEWS,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12721224.Cap_that_for_a_benefit_after_new_sponsorship_package/, Cap that for a benefit after new sponsorship package, The Herald, 1 September 1993, 21 September 2016, 14 February 2017,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12721224.Cap_that_for_a_benefit_after_new_sponsorship_package/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170214103249www.heraldscotland.com/news/12721224.Cap_that_for_a_benefit_after_new_sponsorship_package/,">web.archive.org/web/20170214103249www.heraldscotland.com/news/12721224.Cap_that_for_a_benefit_after_new_sponsorship_package/, live, In 1997 a new deal saw the Grouse logo appear on the Scotland jersey.NEWS,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12285669.All_Blacks_wrap_up__sale_of_the_century__Sponsors_apos__massive__30m_shirt_deal_puts_all_the_others_in_the_shade/, All Blacks wrap up sale of the century. Sponsors’ massive #30m shirt deal puts all the others in the shade, The Herald, 21 October 1997, 21 September 2016, 14 February 2017,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12285669.All_Blacks_wrap_up__sale_of_the_century__Sponsors_apos__massive__30m_shirt_deal_puts_all_the_others_in_the_shade/," title="web.archive.org/web/20170214164220www.heraldscotland.com/news/12285669.All_Blacks_wrap_up__sale_of_the_century__Sponsors_apos__massive__30m_shirt_deal_puts_all_the_others_in_the_shade/,">web.archive.org/web/20170214164220www.heraldscotland.com/news/12285669.All_Blacks_wrap_up__sale_of_the_century__Sponsors_apos__massive__30m_shirt_deal_puts_all_the_others_in_the_shade/, live, Further deals followed and it became the longest association with a sponsor in world rugby.NEWS,www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/famous-grouse-puts-sru-fears-to-flight-with-new-deal-1-530735, Famous Grouse puts SRU fears to flight with new deal, David, Ferguson, The Scotsman, 12 May 2004, 21 September 2016, 14 February 2017,www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/famous-grouse-puts-sru-fears-to-flight-with-new-deal-1-530735," title="web.archive.org/web/20170214103513www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/famous-grouse-puts-sru-fears-to-flight-with-new-deal-1-530735,">web.archive.org/web/20170214103513www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/famous-grouse-puts-sru-fears-to-flight-with-new-deal-1-530735, live, During this time, when Scotland played test matches in France, The Famous Grouse logo was replaced by the initials “TFG” due to the Evin law that bans any alcohol advertisement (including in sports events) in France.NEWS,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/1123252.stm, Firm have grouse about French, BBC News, 18 January 2001, 24 February 2018, 29 June 2023,news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/1123252.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20230629062634news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/1123252.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20230629062634news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/1123252.stm, live, In May 2007, after seventeen years, The Famous Grouse ended its shirt sponsorship with the team.NEWS,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12777272.Famous_Grouse_ends_sponsor_deal_with_Scots_rugby_team/, Famous Grouse ends sponsor deal with Scots rugby team, Rob, Robertson, The Herald, 4 May 2007, 19 September 2016, 20 September 2016,www.heraldscotland.com/news/12777272.Famous_Grouse_ends_sponsor_deal_with_Scots_rugby_team/," title="web.archive.org/web/20160920074144www.heraldscotland.com/news/12777272.Famous_Grouse_ends_sponsor_deal_with_Scots_rugby_team/,">web.archive.org/web/20160920074144www.heraldscotland.com/news/12777272.Famous_Grouse_ends_sponsor_deal_with_Scots_rugby_team/, live, The Famous Grouse did maintain a low profile link to the Scottish Rugby Union by becoming the main spirit sponsor. This deal is thought to be worth a tenth of the original cost and forbids the Scottish Rugby Union from affiliating itself from any other whisky manufacturer.On 3 September 2007 it was announced that the then Rangers chairman Sir David Murray’s company would become the new shirt sponsor, in a deal worth £2.7{{nbsp}}million over three years.NEWS,www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/rangers-owner-says-rugby-is-in-his-heart-as-he-puts-163-2-7m-into-the-sru-1-917356, Rangers owner says rugby is in his heart as he puts £2.7m into the SRU, David, Ferguson, The Scotsman, 4 September 2007, 21 September 2016, 14 February 2017,www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/rangers-owner-says-rugby-is-in-his-heart-as-he-puts-163-2-7m-into-the-sru-1-917356," title="web.archive.org/web/20170214103323www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/rangers-owner-says-rugby-is-in-his-heart-as-he-puts-163-2-7m-into-the-sru-1-917356,">web.archive.org/web/20170214103323www.scotsman.com/sport/more-in-sport/rangers-owner-says-rugby-is-in-his-heart-as-he-puts-163-2-7m-into-the-sru-1-917356, live, In August 2011, the Royal Bank of Scotland took over as main sponsors of Scottish Rugby, after Sir David Murray’s company decided to end their sponsorship. BT became the primary shirt sponsor as part of the £20 million deal signed in 2014.WEB,scottishrugby.org/news/15/04/14/bt-completes-scottish-rugby-portfolio-scotlands-front-shirt-sponsor, Scottish Rugby, BT completes Scottish Rugby portfolio as Scotland’s front of shirt sponsor, 1 April 2015, 1 September 2015,scottishrugby.org/news/15/04/14/bt-completes-scottish-rugby-portfolio-scotlands-front-shirt-sponsor," title="web.archive.org/web/20170216020658scottishrugby.org/news/15/04/14/bt-completes-scottish-rugby-portfolio-scotlands-front-shirt-sponsor,">web.archive.org/web/20170216020658scottishrugby.org/news/15/04/14/bt-completes-scottish-rugby-portfolio-scotlands-front-shirt-sponsor, 16 February 2017, In the summer of 2021 Peter Vardy Group replaced BT as principal partner and shirt sponsor.WEB,www.scottishrugby.org/news/scottish-rugby-signs-peter-vardy-group-as-new-principal-partner-and-scotland-shirt-sponsor, Scottish Rugby, Scottish Rugby signs Peter Vardy Group as new Principal Partner & Scotland shirt sponsor, 7 April 2021, 6 February 2022,web.archive.org/web/20220810095236/https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/scottish-rugby-signs-peter-vardy-group-as-new-principal-partner-and-scotland-shirt-sponsor, 10 August 2022, {| class=“wikitable”!Period!Kit manufacturer!Shirt sponsor|1960s–1994UmbroNo shirt sponsor|1994–1998PringleThe Famous Grouse|1998–2000Cotton Oxford|2000–2008Canterbury|2008–2011Murray|2011–2013RBS|2013–2015Macron|2015–21BT|2021–Peter Vardy GroupBetween the 2007 Rugby World Cup warm up games and the 2013 South African quadrangular tournament, the fonts used for their number kit on the back of their kits were Crillee Extra Bold Italic. But since Macron took over as kit supplier, the number fonts on the back of their kits were Arial rounded MT bold (or Oswald Bold, during the 2015 Rugby World Cup).

Home stadium

Scotland play at Murrayfield Stadium which is the largest sports stadium in Scotland and with a capacity of 67,144 - the fifth largest in the UK. In the early years the Scottish rugby team played at Inverleith in the north of Edinburgh. In 1923 SRU identified 19 acres of land at Murrayfield in the west of the city on which to build a purpose-built stadium, purchasing this from Edinburgh Polo Club. One stand and three embankments were constructed over the following two years with the first international match taking place in 1925 where 70,000 people watched Scotland win 14–11 against England, thereby securing both the championship and a Grand Slam.The stadium has been developed over the years with the East Stand built in 1983, the new North and South stands in 1993 and a redeveloped West Stand completed in 1994.Murrayfield’s record attendance of 104,000 was set on 1 March 1975 when Scotland defeated {{nrut|Wales}} 12–10 during the 1975 Five Nations Championship.WEB,canmore.org.uk/site/73600/edinburgh-roseburn-street-murrayfield-stadium, Edinburgh, Roseburn Street, Murrayfield Stadium, Canmore (database), Canmore, Historic Environment Scotland, 13 December 2015, 14 May 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210514154453/https://canmore.org.uk/site/73600/edinburgh-roseburn-street-murrayfield-stadium, live, This attendance stood as a world record until 1999 when 107,042 attended the Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand in Stadium Australia.NEWS,www.scotsman.com/heritage/people-places/scottish-flashback-murrayfield-in-the-snow-1963-1-3672534, Scottish Flashback: Murrayfield in the snow, 1963, The Scotsman, 28 January 2015, 13 December 2015, 22 December 2015,web.archive.org/web/20151222105242/https://www.scotsman.com/heritage/people-places/scottish-flashback-murrayfield-in-the-snow-1963-1-3672534, live,

Record

{{World Rugby Rankings|Scotland|Scotland|4|13|9|short=yes|history=yes}}

Six Nations

Scotland competes annually in the Six Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations: France, England, Ireland, Italy and Wales. The Six Nations started out as the Home Nations Championship in 1883, with Scotland sharing the championship with England in 1886 before winning the title outright for the first time a year later. Scotland have won the title outright 14 times and shared the championship a further eight times. Scotland have won three Grand Slams (including the Triple Crown) in 1925, 1984 and 1990, in addition to a further seven Triple Crowns. They also contest the Calcutta Cup with England as part of the championship. Scotland were the winners of the last Five Nations in 1999, before Italy joined the competition to make it the Six Nations.

Trophies within the Six Nations

The Triple Crown is awarded to the Scotland, England, Ireland or Wales national side if they can beat the other three ‘Home Nation’ sides in the Six Nations tournament of that year. Ireland is the current holder.The Calcutta Cup is awarded to the winner of the Scotland – England match in the Six Nations tournament. Scotland is the current holder.The Centenary Quaich is awarded to the winner of the Scotland – Ireland match in the Six Nations tournament. Ireland is the current holder.The Auld Alliance Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Scotland – France match in the Six Nations tournament. France is the current holder.The Doddie Weir Cup is awarded to the winner of the Scotland – Wales match in the Six Nations tournament. Scotland is the current holder.The Cuttitta Cup is awarded to the winner of the Scotland – Italy match in the Six Nations tournament. Italy is the current holder.Beating all the sides in the Six Nations is called a Grand Slam but this has no trophy.{{Six Nations wins}}

Individual trophies

The Hopetoun Cup is awarded to the winner of Scotland – Australia test matches. Australia is the current holder.The Douglas Horn Trophy is awarded to the winner of Scotland – Canada test matches. Scotland is the current holder.

Test Series Victories

{{See also|Category:Scotland national rugby union team tours}}{{ru|ARG}} - 2010{{ru|JPN}} - 2016 {{ru|FIJ}} - 2012, 1993{{ru|SAM}} - 2012, 2004{{ru|TON}} - 1993{{ru|USA}} - 2014{{ru|CAN}} - 2014{{ru|ZIM}} - 1995, 1988Scotland have previously played one or more series against these nations but have never won an overall test series against them:{{ru|NZL}}{{ru|RSA}}{{ru|AUS}}

Rugby World Cup

{{Scotland Rugby World Cup record}}Scotland has competed in every Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987. Their best finish was fourth in 1991. In their semi-final on 26 October 1991 Scotland lost 6–9 to England at Murrayfield after Gavin Hastings missed a penalty almost in front of and a short distance from the posts. On 30 October Scotland lost the third-place play-off to New Zealand in Cardiff 13–6. Since then they have qualified for the quarter-finals in all but two occasions, in 2011 and 2019. In 2015, they came within 30 seconds of a famous win over Australia; however, a last minute penalty sealed the win for the Wallabies.{| class=“wikitable sortable collapsible collapsed” style="margin:auto; margin:1em; margin-top:0; margin:auto;”! colspan=“6“|World Cup results! Year! Stage! Team! Score! Team! Venue1987 {{ru 20–20 {{ru Lancaster Park {{ru 60–21 {{ru Athletic Park {{ru 28–55 {{ru Carisbrook Quarter-final {{ru 30–3 {{ru Lancaster Park1991 {{ru 47–9 {{ru Murrayfield {{ru 51–12 {{ru Murrayfield {{ru 24–15 {{ru Murrayfield Quarter-final {{ru 28–6 {{runame=Western Samoa}} style="width:9%;“| Murrayfield Semi-final {{ru 6–9 {{ru Murrayfield Third-place play-off {{ru 6–13 {{ru Cardiff1995 {{ru 0–89 {{ru Rustenburg {{ru 41–5 {{ru Pretoria {{ru 22–19 {{ru Pretoria Quarter-final {{ru 48–30 {{ru Pretoria1999 {{ru 29–46 {{ru Murrayfield {{ru 43–12 {{ru Murrayfield {{ru 48–0 {{ru Murrayfield Quarter-final play-off {{ru 35–20 {{ru Murrayfield Quarter-final {{ru 18–30 {{ru Murrayfield2003 {{ru 32–11 {{ru Townsville {{ru 39–15 {{ru Brisbane {{ru 51–9 {{ru Sydney {{ru 22–20 {{ru Aussie Stadium Quarter-final {{ru 33–16 {{ru Brisbane2007 {{ru 56–10 {{ru Saint-Étienne {{ru 42–0 {{ru Murrayfield {{ru 0–40 {{ru Murrayfield {{ru 18–16 {{ru Saint-Étienne Quarter-final {{ru 19–13 {{ru Stade de France2011 {{ru 34–24 {{ru Invercargill {{ru 15–6 {{ru Invercargill {{ru 13–12 {{ru Wellington {{ru 16–12 {{ru Auckland---- 2015 Pool B {{Ru 45–10 {{Ru Kingsholm, Gloucester---- {{Ru 39–16 {{Ru Elland Road, Leeds---- {{Ru 34–16 {{Ru St James’ Park, Newcastle---- {{Ru 33–36 {{Ru St James’ Park, Newcastle---- Quarter-final {{Ru 35–34 {{Ru Twickenham2019 {{ru 27–3 {{ru Yokohama {{ru 34–0 {{ru Kobe {{ru 61–0 {{ru Fukuroi {{ru 28–21 {{ru Yokohama2023 {{ru 18–3 {{ru {{ru 45–17 {{ru {{ru 84–0 {{ru {{ru 36–14 {{ru

Overall

Scotland achieved 100 points for the first time in defeating a Japan side 100–8 on 13 November 2004.NEWS, Scotland 100 – 8 Japan,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4002983.stm, 22 September 2015, BBC Sport, 13 November 2004, 29 June 2022,news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4002983.stm," title="web.archive.org/web/20220629233645news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4002983.stm,">web.archive.org/web/20220629233645news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4002983.stm, live, The previous record had been 89–0 against Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in the first round of Rugby World Cup 1995. The game versus Japan was played at the home of St Johnstone F.C., McDiarmid Park, Perth. It was the first time that Scotland had ever played “North of the Forth” (i.e. the Firth of Forth) in the Caledonian region. In the same game Chris Paterson moved ahead of Andy Irvine in the list of Scotland’s all-time points scorers.NEWS, Turnbull, Simon, Paterson’s haul lifts Scotland to first century,www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/patersons-haul-lifts-scotland-to-first-century-20331.html, 22 September 2015, The Independent, 15 November 2004, 6 February 2016,www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/patersons-haul-lifts-scotland-to-first-century-20331.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20160206182321www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/patersons-haul-lifts-scotland-to-first-century-20331.html,">web.archive.org/web/20160206182321www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/patersons-haul-lifts-scotland-to-first-century-20331.html, live, WEB, McDiarmid Park,www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/mcdiarmidpark.php, St Johnstone FC, 22 September 2015, 5 September 2015,perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/mcdiarmidpark.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20150905001939perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/mcdiarmidpark.php,">web.archive.org/web/20150905001939perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/mcdiarmidpark.php, live, Below is table of the representative rugby matches played by a Scotland national XV at test level up until 17 March 2024.{| class=“wikitable sortable” style="font-size:90%”! | Opponent! | Played! | Won! | Lost! | Drawn! | Win %! | For! | Aga! | DiArgentina}} History of rugby union matches between Argentina and Scotland >| +113Australia}} History of rugby union matches between Australia and Scotland >| −308Canada}} 5 4 1 0 {{#expr:4/5*100 round 2}}% 153 59 +94England}} History of rugby union matches between England and Scotland >| −433Fiji}} History of rugby union matches between Fiji and Scotland >| +85France}} History of rugby union matches between France and Scotland >| −246Georgia}} History of rugby union matches between Scotland and Georgia >|+165Ireland}} History of rugby union matches between Ireland and Scotland >| −230Italy}} History of rugby union matches between Italy and Scotland >| +337Ivory Coast}} 1 1 0 0 {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% 89 0 +89Japan}} History of rugby union matches between Japan and Scotland >| +231New Zealand}} History of rugby union matches between New Zealand and Scotland >| −581Image:Flag of rugby Pacific Islanders.svg>24pxlink=Pacific Islanders rugby union team Pacific Islanders rugby union team >| +12Portugal}} 1 1 0 0 {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% 56 10 +46Rugby Football Union}} >| +11Romania}} History of rugby union matches between Romania and Scotland >| +367Russia}} 1 1 0 0 {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% 61 0 +61Samoa}} History of rugby union matches between Samoa and Scotland >| +139South Africa}} History of rugby union matches between Scotland and South Africa >| −436Spain}} 1 1 0 0 {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% 48 0 +48Tonga}} 6 5 1 0 {{#expr:5/6*100 round 2}}% 241 89 +152United States}} 6 5 1 0 {{#expr:5/6*100 round 2}}% 249 96 +153Uruguay}} 1 1 0 0 {{#expr:1/1*100 round 2}}% 43 12 +31Wales}} History of rugby union matches between Scotland and Wales >| −376Zimbabwe}} 2 2 0 0 {{#expr:2/2*100 round 2}}% 111 33 +78 class=“sortbottom“! Total !! 747 !! 327 !! 387 !! 33 !! {{#expr:327/747*100 round 2}}% !! 11,169 !! 11,567 !! −398

Players

Current squad

On 16 January 2024, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend named a 39-player squad for the 2024 Six Nations Championship.NEWS,scottishrugby.org/scotland-squad-named-for-2024-guinness-six-nations/, Elliot Millar-Mills called up to Six Nations squad, scottishrugby.org, Scottish Rugby, 16 January 2024, 16 January 2024, en-GB, On January 21 Ross McCann was called up as cover for Darcy Graham who was ruled out for at least the first two games of the Six Nations through injury. NEWS,scottishrugby.org/darge-and-russell-named-co-captains-squad-update/, Darge and Russell named co-captains, Squad update, scottishrugby.org, Scottish Rugby, 21 January 2024, 1 February 2024, en-GB, Adam Hastings and Will Hurd withdrew injured on 23rd January with Elliot Millar-Mills called up as cover. NEWS,scottishrugby.org/elliot-millar-mills-called-up-to-six-nations-squad/, Scotland squad named for 2024 Guinness Six Nations, scottishrugby.org, Scottish Rugby, 23 January 2024, 1 February 2024, en-GB,

• Caps updated: 16 March 2024

Head coach: {{flagicon|SCO}} Gregor Townsend{{nat rs start|hidenote=yes}}{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name=|age={{Birth date and age|2000|4|3|df=y}}|caps=17|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1993|7|5|df=y}}|caps=1|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=HK|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1992|10|8|df=y}}|caps=45|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1993|9|8|df=y}}|caps=34|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1996|1|19|df=y}}|caps=67|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1993|3|30|df=y}}|caps=4|club=Exeter Chiefs|clubnat=ENG}}{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1992|7|8|df=y}}|caps=3|club=Northampton Saints|clubnat=ENG}}{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1986|4|30|df=y}}|caps=61|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=PR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1994|5|7|df=y}}|caps=31|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1996|12|3|df=y}}|caps=38|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1990|8|9|df=y}}|caps=71|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1989|8|24|df=y}}|caps=79|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1995|1|31|df=y}}|caps=35|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=LK|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1994|11|4|df=y}}|caps=3|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1997|9|18|df=y}}|caps=5|club=Bath|clubnat=ENG}}{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1999|3|22|df=y}}|caps=8|club=Saracens|clubnat=ENG}}{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1997|4|22|df=y}}|caps=8|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name= (c)|age={{Birth date and age|2000|2|23|df=y}}|caps=19|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1994|4|12|df=y}}|caps=20|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1998|7|16|df=y}}|caps=44|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=BR|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1996|8|16|df=y}}|caps=49|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1995|5|12|df=y}}|caps=30|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1993|5|12|df=y}}|caps=67|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=SH|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1998|5|27|df=y}}|caps=22|club=Toulon|clubnat=FRA}}{{nat rs player|pos=FH|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1999|6|29|df=y}}|caps=5|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=FH|name= (c)|age={{Birth date and age|1992|9|23|df=y}}|caps=80|club=Bath|clubnat=ENG}}{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1996|1|29|df=y}}|caps=8|club=Northampton Saints|clubnat=ENG}}{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1993|12|17|df=y}}|caps=48|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1998|2|24|df=y}}|caps=2|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1999|12|23|df=y}}|caps=14|club=Bath|clubnat=ENG}}{{nat rs player|pos=CE|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1997|2|12|df=y}}|caps=25|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1997|6|21|df=y}}|caps=39|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1997|10|30|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Great Britain Sevens|clubnat=GBR}}{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1999|7|10|df=y}}|caps=0|club=Sale Sharks|clubnat=ENG}}{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1998|2|8|df=y}}|caps=4|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1994|1|29|df=y}}|caps=19|club=Glasgow Warriors|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=WG|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1995|6|4|df=y}}|caps=39|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs player|pos=FB|name=|age={{Birth date and age|1997|1|18|df=y}}|caps=53|club=Toulouse|clubnat=FRA}}{{nat rs player|pos=FB|name=|age={{Birth date and age|2001|6|28|df=y}}|caps=1|club=Edinburgh|clubnat=SCO}}{{nat rs end}}

Halls of Fame

{{Col-begin}}{{Col-break}}Four former Scotland players have been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame:

• Gordon Brown, inducted 2001WEB, Gordon Brown,www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/brown2001.htm, International Rugby Hall of Fame, 22 September 2015,www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/brown2001.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20130510210611www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/brown2001.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20130510210611www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/brown2001.htm, 10 May 2013,
• Gavin Hastings, captain of the British Lions, full back, inducted 2003WEB, Gavin Hastings,www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/hastings2003.htm, International Rugby Hall of Fame,www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/hastings2003.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20130512110751www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/hastings2003.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20130512110751www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/hastings2003.htm, 12 May 2013,
• Andy Irvine, full back, Scottish captain and British Lion, inducted 1999WEB, Andy Irvine,www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/irvine1999.htm, International Rugby Hall of Fame,www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/irvine1999.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20130511133151www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/irvine1999.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20130511133151www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/irvine1999.htm, 11 May 2013,
• Ian McGeechan, inducted 2005WEB, Ian McGeechan,www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/mcgeechan2005.htm, International Rugby Hall of Fame,www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/mcgeechan2005.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20130512164528www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/mcgeechan2005.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20130512164528www.rugbyhalloffame.com/pages/mcgeechan2005.htm, 12 May 2013,

Eight former Scotland players have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame:WEB, World Rugby “Hall of Fame”,www.world.rugby/halloffame/inductees, World Rugby – Hall of Fame, 9 December 2020, 29 September 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200929144649/https://www.world.rugby/halloffame/inductees, live,

• Gordon Brown
• David Bedell-Sivright
• Jim Greenwood
• Gavin Hastings
• Andy Irvine
• Bill Maclagan
• George Macpherson
• Ian McGeechan

{{Col-break}}Twenty-three former Scotland players have been inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame:WEB, Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame,www.scottishrugby.org/squads/hall-of-fame, Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame, 9 December 2020, 19 December 2020,web.archive.org/web/20201219033457/https://www.scottishrugby.org/squads/hall-of-fame, live, {{Columns-start}}

• Gary Armstrong
• Gordon Brown
• David Bedell-Sivright
• Finlay Calder
• Sandy Carmichael
• Douglas Elliot
• Jim Greenwood
• Ken Scotland
• Gavin Hastings
• Andy Irvine
• David Leslie
• Bill Maclagan

{{Column}}

• George Macpherson
• Norman Mair
• Ian McGeechan
• Mark Morrison
• Hugh McLeod
• Ian McLauchlan
• Chris Paterson
• Jim Renwick
• James Robson (team doctor)
• John Rutherford
• Ian Smith
• Jim Telfer

{{Columns-end}}{{Col-end}}

Award winners

World Rugby Awards

The following Scotland players have been recognised at the World Rugby Awards since 2001:NEWS,www.world.rugby/tournaments/awards/past-winners, Awards Roll of Honour - World Rugby, www.world.rugby, 16 March 2024, en, {{col-begin}}{{col-break}}{| class=“wikitable”World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year>World Rugby Player of the Year!width=40| Year!width=150| Nominees!width=150| Winners 2008| Mike Blair — 2015| Greig Laidlaw {{col-break}}{| class=“wikitable”World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year>World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year!width=40| Year!width=150| Nominees!width=150| Winners 2015Mark Bennett (rugby union, born 1993)>Mark Bennett —{{col-break}}{| class=“wikitable”World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year>World Rugby Dream Team of the Year!width=40| Year!width=40| {{abbr|No.|Numbers}}!width=150| Players 2021 15.| Stuart Hogg{{col-end}}{| class=“wikitable”International Rugby Players Men’s Try of the Year>World Rugby Try of the Year !width=40| Year!width=90| Date!width=170| Scorer!width=160| Match!width=150| Tournament 2023 4 February Duhan van der Merwe vs. England Six Nations

Six Nations Player of the Championship

The following Scotland players have been shortlisted for the Six Nations Player of the Championship since 2004:WEB, 19 January 2019, Player of the Championship,www.sixnationsrugby.com/player-of-the-championship/, Six Nations Rugby, 2 March 2021, live,web.archive.org/web/20190119122648/https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/player-of-the-championship/, 19 January 2019, dmy-all, {{col-begin}}{{col-3}}{| class=“wikitable”List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners#Winners>Six Nations Player of the Year (2004–07) !width=40| Year!width=150| Nominees!width=150| Winners 2004Scott Murray (rugby union)>Scott Murray — Simon Taylor (rugby union)>Simon Taylor Jason White (rugby union)>Jason White 2005| Sean Lamont | Chris Paterson Jason White (rugby union)>Jason White (2) 2006| Hugo Southwell Jason White (rugby union)>Jason White (3) 2007| Sean Lamont (2) {{col-break}}{| class=“wikitable”List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners#Winners>Six Nations Player of the Year (2008–16) !width=40| Year!width=150| Nominees!width=150| Winners 2008| Mike Blair — 2012| David Denton | Ross Rennie 2013| Stuart Hogg 2014| David Denton (2) 2015| Jonny Gray | Stuart Hogg (2) 2016| Stuart Hogg (3) Stuart Hogg Duncan Taylor (rugby union)>Duncan Taylor {{col-break}}{| class=“wikitable”List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners#Winners>Six Nations Player of the Year (2017–24) !width=40| Year!width=150| Nominees!width=150| Winners 2017| Stuart Hogg (4) Stuart Hogg (2) | Finn Russell 2021Hamish Watson (rugby union)>Hamish Watson Hamish Watson 2024| Duhan van der Merwe — {{col-end}}{| class=“wikitable”List of Six Nations Championship Player of the Championship winners#Six Nations Team of the Championship>Six Nations Team of the Championship !width=40 rowspan=3| Year!colspan=4| 1st XV!colspan=4| 2nd XV !colspan=2| Forwards!colspan=2| Backs!colspan=2| Forwards!colspan=2| Backs !width=40| {{abbr|No.|Numbers}}!width=160| Players!width=40| {{abbr|No.|Numbers}}!width=160| Players!width=40| {{abbr|No.|Numbers}}!width=160| Players!width=40| {{abbr|No.|Numbers}}!width=160| Players 2021 7. Hamish Watson 11.| Duhan van der Merwe Not awarded 15.| Stuart Hogg 2022 — 2023 — 12.Sione Tuipulotu (rugby union, born February 1997)>Sione Tuipulotu 1.| Pierre Schoeman 10.| Finn Russell 13.Huw Jones (rugby union)>Huw Jones 6.| Jamie Ritchie 11.| Duhan van der Merwe 2024 10.| Finn Russell Not awarded 14.| Duhan van der Merwe (2)

Coaches

Before 1971, there was no appointed coach of the Scotland team, the role being assumed by the captain. In 1971, the SRU appointed the first coach as “adviser to the captain”. He was Bill Dickinson, a lecturer at Jordanhill College, and his contribution to Scottish rugby in the 1970s was immense. Nairn McEwan took the reins in 1977 for three years before the team was led by Jim Telfer in 1980. Colin Telfer took over for a year before being succeeded by Derrick Grant in the autumn of 1985. From 1988 onwards, Scotland was coached by Jim Telfer, Richie Dixon or Ian McGeechan until 2003 when the Australian Matt Williams was appointed, becoming the first non-Scot to coach the national side. Scotland have appointed a further three non-Scottish coaches to lead the national side, the others being Scott Johnson, an Australian, Andy Robinson, an Englishman, and Vern Cotter from New Zealand.Robinson took the reins in 2009 after Frank Hadden stepped down. Robinson was no stranger to Scottish rugby as, like his predecessor Hadden, had been the head coach of Edinburgh Rugby and joint coach of Scotland A before being promoted head coach of the national side. Scott Johnson was Robinson’s assistant coach when Robinson stood down in 2013, which ended in the result of Johnson being announced as interim head coach for Scotland in 2013, taking the team through the 2013 Six Nations Championship and the 2013 South African Quadrangular Tournament.WEB,www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/174773.html, Scotland turn to Johnson, ESPN, 20 December 2012, 8 February 2014, 23 December 2012,www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/174773.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20121223101249www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/174773.html,">web.archive.org/web/20121223101249www.espnscrum.com/scotland/rugby/story/174773.html, live, Vern Cotter was announced as Scottish Head coach but would not take up on the role until June 2014 as he had one year left on his contract with Clermont Auvergne. This meant that Scott Johnson would remain as Interim Coach until the end of that year’s Six Nations Championship.In August 2016 it was announced that Gregor Townsend would replace Vern Cotter as Scotland head coach in June 2017 when his contract expired.NEWS,www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37107327, Scotland: Gregor Townsend to take over from Vern Cotter as head coach, BBC Sport, 17 August 2016, 11 February 2018, 19 December 2018,web.archive.org/web/20181219223030/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37107327, live, {| class=“sortable wikitable sortable“|+Scottish Rugby coaches by year! Name! Tenure! Tests! Won! Drew! Lost! Win % align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Bill Dickinson 1971–1977| 27| 14| 0| 13 14 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Nairn McEwan 1977–1980| 14| 1| 2| 11 1 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Jim Telfer 1980–1984| 27| 13| 2| 12 13 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Colin Telfer 1984–1985| 6| 0| 0| 6 0 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Derrick Grant 1985–1988| 18| 9| 1| 8 9 2 % = }} align=right {{flagicon|Scotland}} Ian McGeechan 1988–1993| 33| 19| 1| 13 19 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Jim Telfer 1993–1995| 18| 7| 1| 10 7 1 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Richie Dixon 1995–1998| 16| 5| 1| 10 5 1 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Jim Telfer 1998–1999| 20| 9| 0| 11 9 0 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Ian McGeechan 2000–2003| 43| 18| 1| 24 18 2 % = }} align=right {{flagiconMatt Williams (rugby union coach)>Matt Williams 2003–2005| 17| 3| 0| 14 3 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Frank Hadden 2005–2009| 41| 16| 0| 25 16 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|England}} Andy Robinson 2009–2012| 35| 15| 1| 19 15 2 % = }} align=right{{flagiconScott Johnson (rugby coach)>Scott Johnson (interim) 2012–2014| 16| 5| 0| 11 5 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|New Zealand}} Vern Cotter 2014–2017| 36| 19| 0| 17 19 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Gregor Townsend 2017–| 71| 39| 1| 31 39 2 % = }}Ian McGeechan| 76| 37| 2| 37 37 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Gregor Townsend| 71| 39| 1| 31 39 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Jim Telfer| 65| 29| 3| 33 29 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|New Zealand}} Vern Cotter| 36| 19| 0| 17 19 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Frank Hadden| 41| 16| 0| 25 16 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|England}} Andy Robinson| 35| 15| 1| 19 15 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Bill Dickinson| 27| 14| 0| 13 14 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Derrick Grant| 18| 9| 1| 8 9 2 % = }} align=right {{flagiconMatt Williams (rugby union coach)>Matt Williams| 17| 3| 0| 14 3 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Richie Dixon| 16| 5| 1| 10 5 1 % = }} align=right{{flagiconScott Johnson (rugby coach)>Scott Johnson (interim)| 16| 5| 0| 11 5 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Nairn McEwan| 14| 1| 2| 11 1 2 % = }} align=right{{flagicon|Scotland}} Colin Telfer| 6| 0| 0| 6 0 2 % = }} www.scottishrugby.org/squads/scotland-men/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830233456www.scottishrugby.org/scotland/player/duncan-taylor |date=30 August 2017 }}WEB,scottishrugby.org/teams/scotland-men/, Scotland Men Archives, 23 November 2022, 23 November 2022,web.archive.org/web/20221123201428/https://scottishrugby.org/teams/scotland-men/, live, WEB,www.theoffsideline.com/scotland-pete-horne-brad-mooar/, Pete Horne and Brad Mooar join Scotland coaching team, 24 January 2023, 26 January 2023, 26 January 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230126204505/https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland-pete-horne-brad-mooar/, live, {| class=“wikitable“|+ ! Position !! NameScotland}} Gregor TownsendScotland}} John DalzielScotland}} Peter HorneSouth Africa}} Pieter De VilliersWales}} Steve TandyNew Zealand}} Brad MooarScotland}} Stuart Yule

Player records

Most caps

Updated 16 March 2024WEB,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;team=2;template=results;type=player, Player Records (ordered by matches), ESPN, 8 February 2018, 9 February 2018,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;team=2;template=results;type=player," title="web.archive.org/web/20180209071512stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;team=2;template=results;type=player,">web.archive.org/web/20180209071512stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;team=2;template=results;type=player, live, {| class=“wikitable sortable” style="text-align:center;”!width=50px|#! style="width:150px;“|Name! style="width:100px;“|Years!width=50px|Caps!width=150px|Position|1Ross Ford|2004–2017|110|Hooker|2 Chris Paterson|1999–2011|109|Full-back|3 Sean Lamont|2004–2016|105|Wing|4 Stuart Hogg|2012–2023|100|Full-back|5 Scott Murray|1997–2007|87|Lock|6 Mike Blair|2002–2012|85|Scrum-half|7 Gregor Townsend|1993–2003|82|Fly-half|8 Finn Russell|2014–|80|Fly-half|9 Richie Gray|2010–|79|Lock10 Jonny Gray|2013–|77|Lock Nathan Hines|2000–2011|77|Lock Jason White|2000–2009|77|Back-row

Most points

Updated 16 March 2024WEB,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=points;team=2;template=results;type=player, Player Records (ordered by points), ESPN, 8 February 2018, 12 November 2018,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=points;team=2;template=results;type=player," title="web.archive.org/web/20181112061002stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=points;team=2;template=results;type=player,">web.archive.org/web/20181112061002stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=points;team=2;template=results;type=player, live, {| class=“wikitable sortable” style="text-align:center;”!width=50px|#! style="width:150px;“|Name! style="width:100px;“|Career!width=50px|Points!width=50px|Caps!width=100px|Position|1 Chris Paterson|1999–2011|809|109|Full-back|2 Greig Laidlaw|2010–2019|714|76|Scrum-half|3 Gavin Hastings|1986–1995|667|61|Full-back|4 Finn Russell|2014–|382|80|Fly-half|5 Andy Irvine|1972–1982|269|51|Full-back|6 Dan Parks|2004–2012|266|67|Fly-half|7 Kenny Logan|1992–2003|220|70|Wing|8 Peter Dods|1983–1991|210|23|Full-back|9 Stuart Hogg|2012–2023|171|100|Full-back|10 Craig Chalmers|1989–1999|166|60|Fly-half

Most tries

Updated 16 March 2024WEB,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=tries;team=2;template=results;type=player, Player Records (ordered by tries), ESPN, 9 October 2019, 6 March 2016,stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=tries;team=2;template=results;type=player," title="web.archive.org/web/20160306113737stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=tries;team=2;template=results;type=player,">web.archive.org/web/20160306113737stats.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=tries;team=2;template=results;type=player, live, {| class=“wikitable sortable” style="text-align:center;”!width=50px|#! style="width:150px;“|Name! style="width:100px;“|Career!width=50px|Tries!width=50px|Caps!width=100px|Position|1 Stuart Hogg|2012–2023|27|100|Full-back|2 Duhan van der Merwe|2020–|26|38|Wing3 Darcy Graham|2018–|24|39|WingIan Smith|1924–1933|24|32|Wing Tony Stanger|1989–1998|24|58|Wing|6 Chris Paterson|1999–2011|22|109|Full-back|7 Tommy Seymour|2013–2019|20|55|Wing8 Gavin Hastings|1986–1995|17|61|Full-back Huw Jones|2016-|17|48|Centre Alan Tait|1987–1999|17|27|Centre Gregor Townsend|1993–2003|17|82|Fly-half

See also

• List of Scotland national rugby union players
• List of Scotland national rugby union team records

Men’s national teams

Senior

• Scotland national rugby union team
• Scotland A national rugby union team
• Scotland national rugby sevens team

Development

• Scotland B national rugby union team
• Scotland Club XV

Age grades

• Scotland national under-21 rugby union team
• Scotland national under-20 rugby union team
• Scotland national under-19 rugby union team
• Scotland national under-18 rugby union team
• Scotland national under-17 rugby union team
• Scotland national under-16 rugby union team

Women’s national teams

• Scotland women’s national rugby union team
• Scotland women’s national rugby sevens team

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website}}
• HISTORY OF RUGBY IN OTHER COUNTRIES
• www.scottishrugby.org/sru/murrayfield/history.cfm" title="web.archive.org/web/20060211044530www.scottishrugby.org/sru/murrayfield/history.cfm">History of Scottish Rugby on the SRU website
• NEWS,www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/the-battling-years-1-638247, The Battling Years, Massie, Allan, 28 January 2003, The Scotsman,
• NEWS,www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/the-age-of-telfer-1-638444, The age of Telfer, Massie, Allan, 29 January 2003, The Scotsman,
• Favourites find Scotland grit hard to swallow: Scotland 18 England 12, The Times, 27 February 2006
• Scottish Rugby Union – the official site of Scottish Rugby
• A song for Scotland – an article on the ongoing discussions about which song should represent Scotland before international rugby and football games. (Sunday Times, 21 November 2004)

{{Scotland national rugby union team}}{{Navboxes|titlestyle = background:#003876; color:white; |list = {{Rugby union in Scotland}}{{National rugby teams}}{{History of Tier 1 nations}}{{Home Nations friendlies}}{{Six Nations Championship}}{{National sports teams of Scotland}}}}